Getting There and Away

Stunning nighttime scene of a canal in Leiden, Netherlands, glowing under festive lights.
Igor Passchier, Pexels

Leiden's primary transport hub is Leiden Centraal Station, offering extensive train and bus connections to various destinations.

By Air:

The closest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM).

  • From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Direct trains to Leiden Centraal take approximately 15-22 minutes and cost between €7 and €11.
  • From Rotterdam The Hague Airport: A combination of public transport (e.g., subway and train) can take around 56-59 minutes and cost between €8 and €15. Driving takes about 23-30 minutes.

By Train:

Leiden Centraal offers direct train services to major Dutch cities.

  • To/From Amsterdam: Direct trains take about 34-38 minutes and typically cost between €8 and €17.
  • To/From Utrecht: Trains typically take 39-48 minutes, with costs ranging from approximately €11 to €13.53.
  • To/From Rotterdam: Train journeys average 31-47 minutes and cost around €8 to €21.
  • To/From The Hague: Trains take about 10-12 minutes.
  • Tickets for public transport, including trains and buses, can be paid for by checking in and out with a debit or credit card, or using an OV-chipkaart.

By Bus:

Local and regional bus services operate from Leiden Centraal, connecting to areas within the city and nearby towns. Buses are primarily operated by Arriva and Qbuzz.

By Car:

Leiden is accessible via Dutch highways A4 and A44. Car rental services are available from various companies in Leiden, with daily rates starting from around €42.

  • Driving from Amsterdam to Leiden takes about 45 minutes.

By Bicycle:

Cycling is a popular and efficient way to explore Leiden, given the city's flat terrain and extensive cycle paths.

Check out our other pages on Leiden

Things to Do icon Things to Do Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays